Chris, Colin and I experienced a pretty defining moment in our lives last week when we found out that Colin and his paraprofessional, Mrs. N had been nominated and selected as Brick Township Heroes at the 5th Annual Hero Awards. They were nominated by their school principal as a "dynamic duo" because of the ways in which they complement each other. We were so grateful that all of their hard work over the past few years was acknowledged and that we were able to honor BOTH of them that night.
Ironically, the following image happened to pop up in my memories on Facebook around the same time of the awards night which was posted not long after we had come off of a very frustrating IEP meeting in our continued fight for an inclusive education for Colin.
We could only hope at that time that this would ring true for all of us, especially as we truly believed in our hearts that this was best for Colin. We were fighting an administration at that time that did not believe a child like Colin could be educated in a general education classroom. When Colin repeated Kindergarten after our first time in court, Mrs. N was placed with Colin and she, along with his teachers that year, were our "game changers". We knew immediately that Mrs. N was the perfect fit because she was, and continues to, push him to be as independent as possible while learning alongside his "typical" peers. She knows and understands him which means that when he leaves us, we know that the expectations we have for him are followed through at school as well. We have so much love and respect for Mrs. N. because she works so hard to ensure Colin's continued success at school.
As we have learned, the only way an inclusive education will work is when a school community embraces the philosophy that any child can be successful in a general education classroom when given the right tools. Despite the struggles in the very beginning, and thanks to many wonderful and dedicated students/friends and staff, Colin's education had spiraled to become something I could only have prayed it would become. I LOVE our school community and the people in it; I love the "game changers" who believed that Colin has a rightful place in their classrooms, who nurture his gifts, and have allowed him to be as successful as he is. My heart bursts with gratitude that my child with Down Syndrome has a rightful place learning alongside his typical peers, that he has made meaningful friendships, and has found a community of people that only want what is best for him.
The night was an amazing night and I was so happy to be there to celebrate ALL of the heroes that were nominated and selected as heroes. It was important for Colin, Kailey and Cody to be there to see what wonderful things all of the nominees did for their community. Colin and Mrs. N had several staff members come out to see them receive their award; I can't tell you enough what an impact Colin's team this year has had on him.
Going into the night, Colin decided on his own that he wanted to write an acceptance speech. He was the only one that spoke and he told me what to write and I typed it up for him. He practiced and was ready to go once his name was called. There were several things that stand out to me about that moment; one was that he took Mrs. N's arm to escort her up and two, that he felt it was important to thank her for "being the best". I also love that he was concentrating so much on reading his speech that I think he was practicing while he was up there receiving his award!
For Chris and I, this night was such a reward for the journey we have all been on. We have all come so far from where started; it makes this all feel that much more rewarding. Colin's school community is the "beautiful destination" we had hoped for and that is because of the dedicated, hard working, and LOVING staff and students that fill those walls. I wish there were words to truly explain what is on our hearts. Colin is the person he is today because of his team behind him.
...Mrs. N, you truly are a hero. You are the game changer. You push him to be an independent learner and you push him to be the best he can possibly be. I wish thank you was enough! We love you!
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